3.4 Faculty of Nursing - Student Standing
Academic Standing
Performance Review, Probationary Status and Required to Withdraw
Progression from year-to-year is by recommendation of the Faculty of Nursing. For the purposes of progression, terms 1 and 2 are taken in year 1; terms 3, 4 and 5 in year 2; and terms 6,7 and 8 in year 3/4.
The minimum requirement is a grade point average of 2.00 in each of the first two years and 2.50 in each of the last two years.
Academic standing of students registered in the Faculty of Nursing is reviewed at the end of each Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer Term as per the Academic Standing Requirements.
The Faculty of Nursing reserves the right to assess students’ academic standing at any time.
Academic Standing Requirements:
End of Terms 2 and 4
2.00 GPA or above: In Good Academic Standing
1.70 – 1.99 GPA or required to repeat any nursing course: Continuation in Nursing on probation
0.00 – 1.69 GPA: Required to withdraw from the program
End of Terms 6 and 8
2.50 GPA or above: In Good Academic Standing
2.00– 2.49 GPA or required to repeat any nursing course: Continuation in Nursing on probation
0.00 – 1.99 GPA: Required to withdraw from the program
Students will be required to clear probation by repeating all corequisite nursing theory and practice courses in the previous term(s) and achieve satisfactory standing. The student must meet with the Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs (or delegate) to determine a progression plan.
All University of Calgary credit courses that have been completed since the previous review are used for the purpose of academic review. This includes all attempts at repeated courses.
University regulations permit students a maximum of one probationary period while registered as an undergraduate student. Students who are on academic probation will have to maintain satisfactory standing (See Academic Standing Requirements) in each subsequent year to continue in the Nursing program.
Students required to withdraw may not be readmitted in the twelve-month period following their withdrawal. Written application must then be made to the Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs (or delegate).
Students placed on academic probation or required to withdraw as a result of the academic performance review will be advised in writing.
Students required to withdraw may not apply for readmission in the twelve-month period following their withdrawal. Written application must then be made to the Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs (or delegate).
Policies Relative to Practice Experience
Students are advised to read the general University regulations regarding attendance (see E.3 Attendance) in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar.
Students may be required to complete practice experience at sites other than the location of their residence. Students' practice experience may also be scheduled at various hours, including evenings, nights and weekends, Monday through Sunday. Nursing students are responsible for all travel, parking and accommodation costs related to practice.
Students must demonstrate satisfactory practice performance as delineated in the behavioural objectives of the course. Participation in all activities that are related to practice courses is mandatory.
Failure to fully participate in practice and tutorial sessions will be reviewed by the faculty members teaching the course. Students are advised that evaluation will be based in large measure on their day-to-day performance.
Students who miss one or more lab/practice days may be at risk of not successfully completing the course. Students may be asked to withdraw from the course and complete the course requirements at a later date or they may be granted a deferral of term work pending availability of resources. If mandated to withdraw from the practice course, the student may be required to also withdraw from corequisite nursing theory courses and repeat at a later date along with the practice course. Each situation will be reviewed on an individual basis by the Associate Dean Undergraduate Programs (or delegate).
An instructor who determines that a student is not meeting nursing practice or otherwise poses a risk to client health and safety; or public health more generally, will initiate a Practicum Intervention. Expectations are based on the College of Registered Nurses of Alberta (CRNA) and the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA) standards. If the final outcome of the Practice Intervention results in a grade of “F”, the student may appeal such a decision by following the appeals process as outlined in section 3.6 Appeals Process.
The Faculty of Nursing follows CRNA’s Practice Standards for Registrants which states: “Standards of practice are foundational to the provision of safe, competent and ethical registered nurse (RN) and nurse practitioner (NP) practice.” (https://nurses.ab.ca/media/1mkkxvxi/practice-standards-for-registrants-2023.pdf)
Unsatisfactory Standing
The Faculty may refuse permission to a student or prospective student to enter any year of any course, if, in the opinion of the Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs or designate, the student shows a lack of general educational attainment. Further, a student whose performance in the practice area, in the classroom, in tests, or in final examinations is unsatisfactory, may at any time be required to withdraw from the Faculty.
Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade)
Students in Nursing will not be allowed to pursue the Flexible Grade Option (CG Grade) for any course that applies to their degree, including option or foundational courses.
Academic Turnaround Program (ATP)
Students who are facing a required to withdraw (RTW) ruling due to academic performance may be invited to participate in the Academic Turnaround Program (ATP) in lieu of being withdrawn.
For full details about the Academic Turnaround Program students are referred to section B.18 Academic Turnaround Program (ATP) in the Academic Regulations section of this Calendar.
NOTE: Students who are required to withdraw due to unsuccessful clinical performance, or students who are entering into their final practicum placement are not eligible for ATP.
Dean's List
The Dean's List recognizes the outstanding academic achievement of all students in the Faculty of Nursing. The Dean's List is compiled at the end of Terms 2, 4, and 6. A statement of inclusion on the Dean's List will be recorded on the student's transcript. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must achieve a grade point average of 3.60 or higher on 15 units in each of the previous terms and must be in good academic standing. Students on academic sanctions as outlined in the Student Academic Misconduct Policy are not eligible for the Dean’s List.